During this year's University of Arizona Homecoming Day on November 11, thousands of UA alumni from all over the world joined the celebration activities. The homecoming Parade was the highlight of the day.

Falun Gong practitioners in Arizona also joined the Parade. Wearing yellow T-shirts, we marched along while playing the compassionate 'PuDu' and 'JiShi' music. Leading the practitioners was a blue banner with the words 'Falun Dafa' and two Falun Emblems. Behind the banner were a float and another banner that read 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance'. Surrounding the float were two banners: 'Jiang Zemin Stop persecuting Falun Gong' in English and 'Falun Dafa is Great' in Chinese.

The stark contrast between the tranquil Falun Dafa practitioners and the other cheerful crowds was very interesting. The performance of Falun Gong practitioners attracted attention from a TV cameraman. After the Falun Gong float passed him, he came out of his way to follow the float, so he could tape a more complete record. A cameraman in a passing helicopter also captured the banners of 'Falun Dafa' and 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance'. Many spectators filmed our group with their camcorders.

Many spectators were asking for Dafa materials. The two practitioners assigned to distribute materials could hardly keep up with the demands. Many people waved at us. The Chinese students, most of them familiar with Falun Gong, also waved at us. We heard quite a few American spectators telling their friends about the crack down of Falun Gong in China. When our float passed the central stage, we heard the host announcing: "Falun Dafa", "Body and Mind cultivation" and "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance".

That's right! Society needs "Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance". From our observation, people's reaction to Falun Dafa and "Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance' is very positive. The American people are gradually accepting Falun Dafa.

The parade provided a good learning experience. It becomes very clear that participation in community events is a very effective way to spread Dafa. More American people will be able to learn Falun Dafa in their daily lives. Indeed, the next morning, an English speaking youth joined our group practice.

Inspired by this event, we picked up the 'Arizona Calendar of Events and Activities' booklet from a local Visitor Center. We were delighted to find in the booklet a detailed list of activities, festivals and community events of all cities and small towns for the spring of 2001. Time, places and contact phone numbers were clearly recorded. These events will be very good opportunities to spread Dafa. We will try our best to participate in more community activities to tell the truth and spread Dafa to the public. As Dafa practitioners, it is our responsibility to spread Dafa to every household.

Arizona practitioners

(Nov 18, 2000)